What is ITA ?
A COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM. The number one mission of the program is to prepare students for competitive university admissions. As such, ITA scholars spend a significant amount of time on college-prep & academic topics, such as study skills, ACT test prep, leadership and work skills.
A TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM. ITA is one of only a few information technology outreach programs for high school students in the State of Wisconsin, and the only program of its kind and scope in the Madison area. Students learn a variety of IT skills and software programs.
A RESOURCE FOR LEARNING & GROWTH. ITA’s professional mentoring & tutoring components allow students opportunities to talk with college students and UW staff about their academic progress, school & career options, and many more issues.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The IT Academy encourages students to use the skills they learn in the program to help others. Students are given the opportunity to work with community nonprofits on a number of tech projects.
What is the cost?
Nothing, except time & hard work!
What is the Commmitment?
ITA is a 4-year program and requires a strong commitment on the part of students and their families. Students enter the summer before their freshman year in high school, and continue through their senior year. ITA scholars attend meetings & training sessions throughout the school year, two Saturdays per month from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. In addition, there is a 2-week summer camp in each of the first two years, and internships in summers 3 & 4. Should students decide to come to the UW, there is an additional 7-week residential “Bridge to College” program which takes place during the summer before their freshman year in college.
What are the Benefits?
The benefits are too numerous to list completely, but here is a partial list of the benefits students receive:
- Valuable technology skills (software, hardware, programming, digital audio & video, etc.) taught by professionals with state-of-the-art equipment
- One-on-One academic counseling & guidance
- Group and individualized tutoring (as needed)
- College-prep academic skills (study habits, test prep, etc.) taught by qualified instructors
- Work experience, both on and off-campus
- A network of people and resources who will help students to achieve their goals
- A FREE COMPUTER LOAN and an in-state undergraduate tuition SCHOLARSHIP to the UW-Madison!!
Yes, it's true. All students who successfully complete the first 2-week summer camp will receive a home computer and internet connection for their use during the program. The computer remains the property of the UW, and must be turned in after four years. In addition, students completing all four years of the program, including the residential 7-week bridge program during the summer before their freshman year in college, and who are admitted to an undergraduate degree-seeking program at the UW-Madison, will receive an in-state undergraduate tuition scholarship for up to 5 years, paid for by some form of grant or gifts, including financial aid.
What are the Program Requirements?
ITA requires students to maintain a 90% attendance rate at ITA meetings & training sessions, as well as a 96% attendance rate at their school. Please do not apply if you have regular Saturday conflicts. In addition, students are expected to maintain a 2.75 GPA while in high school. Should grades drop below that level, tutoring will be required. A positive attitude, respectful nature, and a strong work ethic are all also desired.
What Happens at ITA Meetings?
Meetings generally last all day (7 hours), and are composed of 5 components:
- Academic Session: one-hour seminar on a topic related to study skills, ACT test preparation, leadership skills, work skills, or college admissions. Students will receive books materials free of charge, and are expected to come to class prepared each day.
- Study Hour w/Group Tutoring: The study hour is a required part of the meeting day, and is an opportunity for students to bond with each other and pool resources while working on their high school coursework. Students are asked to bring their school homework or a book to read. Tutors will be on hand and supervision is provided by ITA staff. Assignments will be provided to students who do not bring work.
- Community Hour: Group meetings give students the opportunity to participate in discussions, social justice projects, and fun activities with students from other grades. Guest speakers may also visit.
- Lunch with Mentors: Students are paired with adult mentors, who provide general guidance and counseling to the students throughout their participation in ITA. Lunch meetings provide opportunities for the mentor and mentee to get to know each other and discuss a variety of topics. Lunchtime is also when students elected to the student council meet to discuss fundraising, events, and other projects.
- Technical Training: Topics for the technical training follow a curriculum designed by ITA staff and qualified instructors. The curriculum closely follows the National Standards for Technology in Education, and is content-based.